i feel like i've written a lot about miss saigon recently.
yup, i have.
i felt like i ought to branch out, but it's consumed me and it is my life right now. so, it makes sense to me that my life lessons (the things God is teaching me and leading me through) come from my experiences in and around the show.
so, here's another one...
one of my fellow cast members had a death in his family this week. it was an unexpected blow to the family (as these cases often are), but they seem to be grieving appropriately. it was hard with rehearsals to make time to attend any part of the memorial to support him, but i was able to make it to the funeral on thursday morning.
i really enjoyed the message of the pastor (whom i did not know). it was very appropriate for such a time. one thing he said that really impacted me even though i didn't know the decedent is that "no man can offer comfort, that is God's job. but, our availability shows we care."
so many times, i try to formulate the right thing to say in so many diverse situations. i try to figure out how, in 25 words or less, to express my heart and empathy. (i do have a heart and empathy, though i never feel like i show it well, hence my desire for words.) but, the preacher's words gently reminded me to get out of the way, to shut my mouth and let God work through me. my availability to God will translate to availability to those in need.
so God, i pray that you use me every day and in every way to show forth Your light. i am Your vessel to be used for Your purposes.
after the service, i saw an old friend--someone that didn't know yet about our youngest son. it was nice to reminice for a short time and to remind her that there was a church family that loved her and would love to see her again soon and often. as we were about to part ways, it dawned on me that i didn't know her connection to the departed. so, i asked. it turns out that she worked with him at a local establishment. it is a small world.
my prayers will now double--comfort for the family and friends of the departed will continue, but i will also add prayers for the prodigal to return home.
God, bless us, everyone.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
just in the mood to write
i'm not really sure what i want to say today. there is so much in my mind and in my heart that wants to burst forth. i have beauty in my life and i have heartaches. i am acutely aware of and conspicuously naive of so many things that are present in my life.
the ideals of surrealism have captivated my thoughts of late. wikipedia (that most reliable of sources) says "Surrealist works feature the element of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions and non-sequitur." is there a more apt description of life in Christ? well, for that matter, life in general is full of non-sequitur.
now, let me clarify one important point: i do not hold with all the ideals and extremities of surrealism, dadaism, etc. but, the underlying premise (as written above) really seems to be true for me.
i am blessed, though cursed by my own sins. i am happy and heartbroken. i am smiling and sobbing and starry-eyed and stark and strained and surging.
often i have said "it's all good." i realize that's not the truest thing i've ever uttered, but it sums up a life-philosphy that embraces life despite its foibles, takes the bad because it leads to good, in the grip of hope amidst the choke of hopelessness.
maybe i need a new phrase--something like "it's all dickinsian--the best of times, the worst of times", "it's all ecclesiastical--nothing new under the sun" or "it's all God".
i'm noting the humor in myself. as i type this, i unwittingly realize i have the expression that my grandpa had whenever he was perplexed. "it's all perplexing"? "it's all dichotomy"? 3rd generation of perplexed? how many of us have experienced this (all that have lived, i suppose)?
maybe someday i'll understand it, or at least have perspective that captures a nugget of truth, an ideal to hold on to. but, if not, this i know: God is good.
for now, i accept this as my own internal duet--major and minor keys simultaneously singing the same song of praise.
the ideals of surrealism have captivated my thoughts of late. wikipedia (that most reliable of sources) says "Surrealist works feature the element of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions and non-sequitur." is there a more apt description of life in Christ? well, for that matter, life in general is full of non-sequitur.
now, let me clarify one important point: i do not hold with all the ideals and extremities of surrealism, dadaism, etc. but, the underlying premise (as written above) really seems to be true for me.
i am blessed, though cursed by my own sins. i am happy and heartbroken. i am smiling and sobbing and starry-eyed and stark and strained and surging.
often i have said "it's all good." i realize that's not the truest thing i've ever uttered, but it sums up a life-philosphy that embraces life despite its foibles, takes the bad because it leads to good, in the grip of hope amidst the choke of hopelessness.
maybe i need a new phrase--something like "it's all dickinsian--the best of times, the worst of times", "it's all ecclesiastical--nothing new under the sun" or "it's all God".
i'm noting the humor in myself. as i type this, i unwittingly realize i have the expression that my grandpa had whenever he was perplexed. "it's all perplexing"? "it's all dichotomy"? 3rd generation of perplexed? how many of us have experienced this (all that have lived, i suppose)?
maybe someday i'll understand it, or at least have perspective that captures a nugget of truth, an ideal to hold on to. but, if not, this i know: God is good.
for now, i accept this as my own internal duet--major and minor keys simultaneously singing the same song of praise.
Monday, October 12, 2009
just for fun
i had so much fun at rehearsal yesterday!
the story...but first, let me clarify. i alwasy enjoy rehearsals, but yesterday was a different role for me, so to speak. it was more fun than Scrabble®!
there were a couple of the leads absent yesterday. (i'm not sure where they were, but they've worked hard and certainly deserve a day off.) but, an important aspect of the rehearsals right now is that we are beginning to put together the pieces. up until now, the bits and pieces have been seperated into the component parts. first you pop the popcorn and then you string it together for the christmas garland.
so, because of that approach and the absence of some, i got to play about 2 or 3 additional characters besides my own. what fun!
the entire show is full of great songs and i got to sing even more of them than usual. also, i got to interact with more of the cast than usual. and to top it all off, someone brought food.
it was a great day of rehearsal.
the story...but first, let me clarify. i alwasy enjoy rehearsals, but yesterday was a different role for me, so to speak. it was more fun than Scrabble®!
there were a couple of the leads absent yesterday. (i'm not sure where they were, but they've worked hard and certainly deserve a day off.) but, an important aspect of the rehearsals right now is that we are beginning to put together the pieces. up until now, the bits and pieces have been seperated into the component parts. first you pop the popcorn and then you string it together for the christmas garland.
so, because of that approach and the absence of some, i got to play about 2 or 3 additional characters besides my own. what fun!
the entire show is full of great songs and i got to sing even more of them than usual. also, i got to interact with more of the cast than usual. and to top it all off, someone brought food.
it was a great day of rehearsal.
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